Focus - "Ultimate Anthology" DVD

Just released, it dropped through my letter box over the weeked.The DVD includes a curious mix of old archive material(mostly Old Grey Whistle Test by the look of it) and from the recent Focus tour (minus Jan Akkerman).It's about 75 minutes worth split 50:50 approx 'old' and 'new' performances.

I actually prefer the more recent stuff.Thys Van Leer carries the band very well and includes some great licks on the organ.The new guitarist is at least as good as Akkerman.The old material features a rather insepid version of 'Hocus Pocus' which carries none of the power of the studio recording.Jan Akkerman takes time to puff on a cigarette(?) during it.They even manage to mess up completely at one stage which is quite endearing but adds nothing to your enjoyment of the music.Of most interest to fans is the live performance of 'Hamburger Concerto', all 17 minutes of it.This is from an actual gig with Akkerman on guitar.I must admit it bores me rigid but I'm sure commited Focus fans will love it.

The sound quality and picture quality is good for both the archive and recent newer stuff.The only dissapointing thing is the lack of extras.Maybe some interviews wouldn't have gone amiss but I suppose in the best Prog tradition it's the music that matters. 

Rating:4 out of 5

Richard,

I would have to disagree with you on the new guitarist being at laest as good as Akkerman. Akkerman is one of the greatest of all time. But is great to see Pierre van der Linden back on drums. Unfortunately the magical combination of Akkerman and Van Leer will never be heard again.Hope to see them in Montreal but so far no shows are planned for Canada.

I've allways been pretty keen on FOCUS music, at least untill HAMBURGER CONCERTO, and last year they came to Rio de Janeiro with a slightly modified lineup; featuring Jan Dumeé on guitars. As for the Akkerman fans I'm sorry to say that he wasnt missed one second during the show. Mr. Dumeé did a wonderful job and the general agreement among fans gathered over beers after the show was that Jan Akkerman was indeed replaceable. This idea is aslo backed up by the fact that the Akkerman solo projects are dead boring and without Van Leer, there is not much Akkerman left. The link below is to the review I wrote for DPRP, Dutch Progressive Rock Page...

http://www.dprp.net/concrev/focus.htm

Lunar